Per*sist" (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Persisted; p. pr. & vb. n. Persisting.] [L. persistere; per + sistere to stand or be fixed, fr. stare to stand: cf. F. persister. See Per-, and Stand.] To stand firm; to be fixed and unmoved; to stay; to continue steadfastly; especially, to continue fixed in a course of conduct against opposing motives; to persevere; - - sometimes conveying an unfavorable notion, as of doggedness or obstinacy.

If they persist in pointing their batteries against particular persons, no laws of war forbid the making reprisals.

Some positive, persisting fops we know,
Who, if once wrong, will needs be always so.

That face persists.
It floats up; it turns over in my mind.

Syn. -- See Persevere, and Insist.

• To continue to exist.